consulate in benghazi, libya. now the growing backlash against susan rice as a possible contender secretary of state includes new questions about africa and iraq. dan lothian is over at the white house. he has the latest information. dan, what is the white house doing? are they standing by her? >> reporter: well, they are, wolf. i spoke with a senior white house official who says that the criticisms are deeply unfair, suggested that opposition researchers out there are pushing the information, information that is fueling the fire that hasn't died down. at the state department, the clock is ticking. hillary clinton is going to retire at the end of next month and susan rice is at the top of the short list to replace her. >> what is the hold up? >> there is no hold up. president has made no decision and i have nothing to announce today. >> reporter: but with that comes the loudest voice, none other than john mccain, who jumped in the fray again on piers morgan tonight. >> there are now additional concerns about her r